Introduction to SMART goals

SMART goals are objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This approach helps ensure that your goals are clear, realistic, and rooted in your broader objectives.

To turn vague goals into SMART goals, follow these steps:

1. Specific: Make your goal clear and well-defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don't provide sufficient direction.

   When setting a goal, be specific about what you want to accomplish. Think about this as the mission statement for your goal. This isn’t a detailed list of how you’re going to meet a goal, but it should include an answer to the popular ‘w’ questions:

   • Who – Consider who needs to be involved to achieve the goal (this is especially important when you’re working on a group project).
   • What – Think about exactly what you are trying to accomplish and don’t be afraid to get very detailed.
   • When – You’ll get more specific about this question under the “time-bound” section of defining SMART goals, but you should at least set a time frame.
   • Where – This question may not always apply, especially if you’re setting personal goals, but if there’s a location or relevant event, identify it here.
   • Which – Determine any related obstacles or requirements. This question can be beneficial in deciding if your goal is realistic. For example, if the goal is to open a baking business, but you’ve never baked anything before, that might be an issue. As a result, you may refine the specifics of the goal to be “Learn how to bake in order to open a baking business."
   • Why – What is the reason for the goal? When it comes to using this method for employees, the answer will likely be along the lines of company advancement or career development.

2. Measurable: Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined as "Reduce expenses", how will you know when you have been successful? What metrics are you going to use to determine if you meet the goal? This makes a goal more tangible because it provides a way to measure progress. If it’s a project that’s going to take a few months to complete, then set some milestones by considering specific tasks to accomplish.

3. Achievable: Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence. This step focuses on how important a goal is to you and what you can do to make it attainable and may require developing new skills and changing attitudes. The goal is meant to inspire motivation, not discouragement. Think about how to accomplish the goal and if you have the tools/skills needed. If you don’t currently possess those tools/skills, consider what it would take to attain them. Do you have an Accountability Buddy? Consider sharing your goals with them and check in with them on a regular basis to hold yourself accountable on accomplishing your goals.

4. Relevant: Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. Goals also should support your Massive Transformative Purpose. By keeping goals aligned with this, you'll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want, also on the long term.

5. Time-bound: Your goals must have a deadline. Again, this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker. Anyone can set goals, but if it lacks realistic timing, chances are you’re not going to succeed. Providing a target date for deliverables is imperative. Ask specific questions about the goal deadline and what can be accomplished within that time period. If the goal will take three months to complete, it’s useful to define what should be achieved half-way through the process. Providing time constraints also creates a sense of urgency.

The Easiest Way to Write SMART Goals

When it comes to writing SMART goals, be prepared to ask yourself and other team members a lot of questions. The answers will help fine-tune your strategy, ensuring the goals are something that’s actually attainable. While you should be as realistic as possible, it’s important to approach writing SMART goals with a positive attitude. After all, this is something that you want to achieve. New goals will likely emerge from time to time, and they all deserve to be on your list. But only make them a GOAL if you commit to accomplishing them. If you cannot prioritize a goal, move it to later on the time line or more it to your list of good ideas that have not yet become a committed goal.

Examples of what SMART goals can look like:

1. Example 1

   1. Specific: Increase our user base in the first quarter.
   2. Measurable: Aim to reach 10,000 users.
   3. Achievable: Implement a comprehensive marketing and outreach strategy.
   4. Relevant: More users will allow us to make a greater social impact.
   5. Time-bound: Accomplish this within the next three months.

2. Example 2

   1. Specific: Develop and launch a new feature that facilitates communication between children and parents.
   2. Measurable: Aim to have 70% of our users regularly using the feature.
   3. Achievable: Collaborate with child psychologists and parents during the development process to ensure the feature is effective and user-friendly.
   4. Relevant: Directly aligns with our mission of improving child-parent relations.
   5. Time-bound: Plan to launch the feature within the next six months.

   Other Resources

   5 Dos and Don'ts When Making a SMART Goal [+Examples]

   Zoom out - Zoom in

   A framework for long term vs. short term goal setting.

   OKR

   Consider Objectives & Key Results as a framework for setting and managing your goals.